Voting Kicks Off in Chile’s Presidential Runoff Election

(MENAFN) Polling stations across Chile opened Sunday as voters choose between leftist Jeannette Jara and Republican challenger Jose Antonio Kast in a decisive presidential runoff.

Chile's Electoral Service confirmed voting commenced at 8 a.m. local time (1100 GMT) and will conclude at 6 p.m. (2100 GMT), with over 15 million registered citizens eligible to cast ballots.

The runoff operates under simple majority rules—whichever candidate secures the most votes claims victory. The winner will assume presidential duties on March 11 of next year.

Neither candidate achieved the required 50 percent threshold during the November 16 first round. Jara captured 26.85 percent while Kast secured 23.92 percent, propelling both into this final showdown.

Both contenders have centered their campaigns on bolstering social security programs and addressing unauthorized immigration, competing intensely for undecided voters in the closely watched race.

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